Unit 7 - Programming Functions and Libraries

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to programming functions, parameters, return values, and libraries.

Parameter

A variable defined within the parentheses of a function definition that acts as a placeholder for a value that will be passed into the function.

Argument

The actual value that is passed into a function when it is called, corresponding to the parameters defined in the function.

Return Value

The value that a function sends back to the part of the program that called it, specified using the return keyword.

Function Definition

The block of code that describes what a function does, including its name, parameters, and sequence of statements it executes.

Function Call

The act of executing a function by using its name followed by parentheses, which may include arguments.

Library (Programming)

A collection of pre-written code, such as functions and data structures, that can be used in other programs to perform common tasks.

Modularity

The practice of organizing code into independent and interchangeable components, making it easier to understand, test, and maintain.

Reusability

The ability to use the same piece of code in different parts of a program or in different programs to reduce redundancy and development time.

Pseudocode

A high-level description of a program or algorithm that uses natural language mixed with programming keywords.

Documentation (Library)

Written material that explains how to use a programming library, including descriptions of functions and their requirements.

What is the role of a parameter in a programming function?

Parameters are variables defined within the parentheses of a function's definition. They serve as placeholders for the actual values, known as arguments, that will be supplied when the function is called.

Parameters enable a function to operate on different data inputs, making it more versatile and reusable for various situations.

How do arguments relate to the parameters of a function?

Arguments are the specific values that are provided to a function when it is invoked. When a function is called, the arguments are matched up with the corresponding parameters in the function's definition.

For instance, if a function is defined as calculateArea(length, width), then upon calling the function with calculateArea(5, 10), the argument 5 is assigned to the length parameter, and the argument 10 is assigned to the width parameter.

What is the purpose of a return value in a function?

A return value is the result that a function sends back to the part of the program that executed it. The return keyword within a function specifies the value to be returned.

When a return statement is encountered, the function's execution terminates, and the specified value is passed back to the calling code. A function can return at most one value.

In what ways do parameters and return values improve code functionality?

Parameters enhance a function's flexibility by allowing it to process different sets of data. Instead of writing multiple functions for similar tasks with varying inputs, a single function with parameters can handle a wider range of scenarios.

Return values enable functions to produce results that can be used in other parts of the program, allowing for the creation of modular and complex programs where the output of one function can serve as the input for another.

What are programming libraries, and why are they considered important?

Programming libraries are collections of pre-written code, such as functions and data structures, that programmers can use in their own programs. They provide ready-made solutions for common programming tasks, saving development time and effort by eliminating the need to write code from scratch for these tasks.

Libraries promote code reuse, improve reliability (as library code is often thoroughly tested), and allow developers to concentrate on the unique aspects of their projects.

How do libraries utilize the concepts of parameters and return values?

The functions contained within programming libraries frequently make use of parameters to accept input data and return values to provide the results of their operations.

When a programmer uses a function from a library, they must supply arguments that match the function's defined parameters. The library function then processes these arguments and may return a value that the programmer can use in their program's logic.

Libraries essentially extend the principles of functions—accepting input and producing output—on a larger, more organized scale.

What are some essential skills for effectively using programming libraries?

To work effectively with libraries, one needs to understand the library's purpose and the functionality it offers. This includes being able to locate and interpret the library's documentation to understand how to use specific functions or components.

It's crucial to know how to correctly pass arguments to library functions based on their parameter definitions and to properly handle and utilize any values that these functions return. Additionally, being able to test and debug code that incorporates external libraries is a key skill.